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Happy Birthday Louise

“The IVF procedure, first used in 1978 gave the Browns their first daughter and it will continue to give to give couples around the world hope to build a family.”
 Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu

“Yes, I do remember the first time I performed the In vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure. It was in 2011. I was nervous then and still am now, anticipating the outcome after each procedure,” shared Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu responding to the question as to whether he remembers the first time he did the IVF procedure.

“I have done close to 1000 IVF procedures since. When the results are positive, it is a high all around. When it is not, it can be an emotionally very stressful for everyone involved,” said Dr Navdeep.

Dr Navdeep was commenting on the upcoming birthday of Louise Brown on 25th July, the world’s first baby conceived via the IVF procedure. “On 10 November 1977 in a hospital in Oldham UK, over 40 years ago, the egg and sperm united in a petri dish by scientist Dr Robert Edwards and gynaecologist Dr Patrick Steptoe, had divided into eight cells.”

It was implanted in Lesley Brown, and after nine years trying and failing to conceive due to blocked fallopian tubes, she became pregnant. 38 weeks later, Louise Joy Brown, the world’s first IVF then known as a test tube baby was born.

“Interestingly, 67 days after the birth of Louise Brown, Kanupriya Agarwal alias Durga was born in West Bengal, India, as a result of a similar procedure conducted by Dr Subash Mukhopadhyay,” added Dr Navdeep.

Unfortunately, Dr Subhash had taken his own life, due to the dejection of not being allowed to share his achievements with the international scientific community.

“More than 8 million IVF babies and counting later, the IVF technique continues to achieve tremendous advancements,” said Dr Navdeep who was scheduled to perform five IVF procedures on the day this interview took place.

“There are discoveries made every day and these achievements are taking us closer to achieving higher pregnancy rates and healthier pregnancies,” said Dr Navdeep paying homage the technique.

“What we know now is only a drop in the ocean. Science is evolving at a break neck speed,” said Dr Navdeep pointing out that there could come a day when a womb may not be needed to implant an embryo in.

“Each advancement made is a chance for someone to hold that baby that they so wish for. To me that will always be magical and I am invested to make that moment come true for couples.

A very happy “Birth Day” to all babies born via IVF and for the many more who will come into this world through this procedure.

This blog is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

(Everybody has a chance to build a family) by Dr Navdeep